Local Man Shot and Killed at Popular Eatery

Los Angeles: Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) investigators are asking for the public’s help to identify and locate a suspect wanted for the shooting death of a North Hollywood man.

On October 17, 2010, at about 12:40 a.m., 18-year-old Vartan Avatyan and several of his friends where at a popular taco stand in the 7200 block of Lankershim Boulevard. As they stood in the parking lot, a male Hispanic walked up to the small gathering of friends and began shooting at Avatyan, striking him several times.

Avatyan was transported to a local hospital in critical condition, but died from his injuries a short time later.

The suspect is believed to have left the location in a blue compact car.  

Detectives have very few leads in this case and are asking for anyone with information to contact LAPD North Hollywood Homicide Detectives at 818-623-4075.  During non-business hours or weekends, calls may be directed to 1-877-LAPD-24-7.  Anyone wishing to remain anonymous may call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (800)-222-8477).  Tipsters may also contact Crime Stoppers by texting to phone number 274637 (C-R-I-M-E-S on most key pads) using a cell phone.  All text messages should begin with the letters “LAPD.”  Tipsters can also go to LAPDOnline.org, click on “web tips” and follow the prompts.